The Black Cats boss is looking to build on last weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby win with another positive result at Everton tomorrow, and in the process break a run that has seen Sunderland’s last four derby victories followed by a defeat.

Allardyce named an attacking line-up for the derby, but says he will adopt a ‘horses for courses’ approach rather than stick slavishly to the same formation or system against all opponents.

“Hopefully we can take confidence from the win over Newcastle,” said Allardyce.

“We’ve also got a stat that we’ve got to overcome, of not winning the last four games after the Newcastle match.

“It’s about the lads being aware of that and being aware of who they’re playing against and where their strengths and weaknesses are.

“If they are flexible enough to realise that we have to change our thinking in every game and sometimes change the shape of the team and decide on different tactics, then it’s one of the key reasons why we’ll get out of trouble.

“That’s what I’ve done everywhere I’ve been.

“When I think we’re good enough to beat the opposition, we play a more attacking formation.

“When I think we’re not as good, I put in a more protective and defensive formation, but also point out the weaknesses where you may get a result so ultimately you can get a win.

“If they’re flexible in that way, we can maybe get out of trouble.”

Sunderland’s problems this season are well-documented, but Everton have not had things all their own way either – particularly at home, where they have won just one of their five games at Goodison Park, conceding nine times along the way, and have failed to keep a single clean sheet on home soil.

The Black Cats won 2-0 at Everton back in May in a game that formed part of the late run which saw Sunderland reach safety with a game to spare.

And if they win tomorrow, they will have beaten the Toffeemen for a third time in a row – their best record against the Blues since the early 1900s.

Allardyce said: “We’re the ones struggling much more than they are.

“But let’s hope we can be as fortunate at Everton as we were last year.

“I seem to remember that Danny Graham’s goal was a bit of a generous deflection.

“But then I have to say that the team defended heroically – backs against the wall, determination, desire, throwing your body on the line.

“You have to do what is needed in every particular game, and they protected that lead to get a very important victory to get out of trouble again.”